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Former F1 driver di Grassi to drive for Audi

December 19, 2012

Lucas di Grassi, a former F1 driver, will join Audi's LMP1 prototype lineup in 2013. In the World Endurance Championship, he shared a car with Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

The Brazilian, 28, has been signed to drive one of the German manufacturer’s R18 e-tron quattros after a starring performance on his sportscar debut at the Interlagos FIA World Endurance Championship round in September.

Di Grassi takes the place of Marco Bonanomi in Audi’s prototype squad, which will include a three-car attack on the Le Mans 24 Hours in June. The Italian has been released by Audi.

“Lucas was really impressive at Interlagos,” Audi Sport boss Wolfgang Ullrich said. “If you look at what he has achieved up to now, we can consider that he has a big future.”

Di Grassi, who finished third at Interlagos, sharing an R8 ultra with Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish, was excited about the new prospect.

“Audi offered me a dream contract, better than anything I had in F1, so I am very happy. This job is only due to my performance; there is none of the F1 commercial mess,” he said.

The extent of di Grassi’s program in 2013 has yet to be revealed. Audi said that it would announce at a later date the driver lineups in each of its cars and which drivers will be chosen for its expected two-car WEC lineup.

Marc Gene, who joined Audi in place of the injured Timo Bernhard for the Spa 6 Hours and then Le Mans, remains with Audi for 2013.